Dynamic control of multiple heterogeneous traffic sources using a closed-loop feedback algorithm

ABSTRACT

Described is a method for controlling nodes in a network including the steps of sending a proposed maximum working rate to a plurality of nodes, computing the number of responses received from the nodes by a central controller in a set period and adjusting the maximum working rate sent to the nodes based on the number of responses received.

REFERENCE TO PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/294,828, filed Apr. 19, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,567,515, which claim for priority is made to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/113,321 filed on Dec. 22, 1998.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to traffic regulation in a communications network. More particularly, the invention relates to dynamically controlling the flow of traffic regulation using a feedback mechanism.

Modem telecommunications networks often consist of a plurality of nodes that receive data operations (queries) at varying incoming rates and forward these operations to a central controller (database). Because the total rate that all nodes combined can generate may exceed the capacity of the central controller, at times the central controller may become overloaded. In order to avoid the problems that would result from a central controller's overloading, it may be necessary for the central controller to direct one or more of the nodes to forward operations at a rate that is less than the present incoming rates of these nodes.

In order for an algorithm to direct the nodes to perform at an optimal operating rate, it is necessary to take into account the dynamic features of modern telecommunications networks. First, nodes are added to and/or removed from modern telecommunications networks in real time as the network is operating. Second, each node may operate at a different rate than any other node. Accordingly, it would not be efficient for an algorithm that computes the rate of optimal node performance to be based on the number of nodes in the network or the actual operating rate of any single node.

In the prior art, a previous algorithm designed to determine the optimal operating rate of the nodes would first choose a constant rate, ε, and a multiple of the constant rate, xε. The values ε and x would be determined based on the overall characteristics of the telecommunications network. The algorithm would then direct each node in the telecommunications network to operate at a maximum rate of xε for a predetermined period of time. After this predetermined period of time, if the aggregate output generated by the nodes and received by the central controller was too large, the algorithm would direct the nodes to operate at a maximum rate of (x−1)ε for the next predetermined period of time. If the output generated by the nodes and received by the central controller was too small, the algorithm would direct the nodes to operate at a rate of (x+1)ε for the next predetermined period of time. The algorithm would continue this operation periodically until the algorithm converged on the optimal multiple of the constant rate ε.

This algorithm's main drawback is that its success is based primarily on whether the initial choice of ε is ultimately proper. If the chosen ε is too small, the algorithm takes too long to converge to the optimal operation rate. If the chosen ε is too large, the algorithm causes the operation rate of the nodes to oscillate about the optimal rate such that throughput in the network is adversely affected. Additionally, real-time changes in the number of nodes and the number of operations processed by each node, which often occurs in modern telecommunications networks, impede the efficient operation of this algorithm.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a method that dynamically determines the operating rate for nodes in a telecommunications network such that a central controller may process the output of the nodes in an optimal fashion.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for controlling nodes in a network including the steps of sending a proposed maximum working rate to the nodes, computing the number of responses received in a set period and adjusting the maximum working rate based on the number of responses received.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a partial illustration of a modern telecommunications network illustrating a physical embodiment in which the present invention may be performed.

FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Table 1 illustrates the variables that are used to demonstrate the operation of embodiments of the present invention, including the units, if any, of each variable:

TABLE 1 Variable Representation Units R Maximum number of operations per second central controller operations/s can handle without overload N Number of nodes in the network r_(ideal) Ideal uniform rate for each node to operate operations/s T Periodic time length s i Iteration, where i is a whole number r(iT) Proposed uniform maximum operation rate of nodes for time operations/s period (iT, (i + 1)T) N* Number of nodes with an incoming rate that exceeds r(iT) over time period (iT, (i + 1)T) K Total number of operations processed by nodes with incoming operations rates less than r(iT) over time period (iT, (i + 1)T) N_(guess)(iT) Present guess as to R/r_(ideal) M(iT) Actual number of operations received by central controller over operations time period ((i-l)T, iT)

The present invention is directed to a technique for periodically determining a uniform maximum operating rate for each node connected to a central controller in a network and determining the actual number of operations received by the central controller in a given time period. Based on this feedback information, the method of the present invention calculates a new uniform maximum operating rate for each node. This process is repeated and converges until the uniform maximum operating rate for each node produces the maximum number of operations per time period that the central controller can handle without overload.

A partial representation of a modern telecommunications network can be found at FIG. 1. The figure illustrates a network 10 containing a central controller 60 and a node 1 20, node 2 30, node 3 40 up to a node N 50, where N denotes the number of nodes currently in the network 10. Each node 20, 30, 40, 50 receives data at an incoming rate via connectors 70, 80, 90, 100. Each node 20, 30, 40, 50 also interfaces with the central controller 60 via connectors 110, 120, 130, 140. Connectors 110, 120, 130, 140 transmit the operations for each node 20, 30, 40, 50 to the central controller 60. The central controller 60 has the ability to direct each of the nodes 20, 30, 40, 50 via connectors 150, 160, 170, 180 to process a maximum number of processes r(iT)T per time period (iT,(i+1)T).

Embodiments of the central controller may be any device that receives the operations of the nodes and that can direct the rate of processing of the nodes including, for example, a database at a Service Control Point (SCP) in a telecommunications network. Embodiments of the nodes may be any device that processes information for relaying to a central controller including, for example, a switch used in a telecommunications network.

The present invention is based on the principle that the ideal number of operations RT to be received by the central controller 60 during a time period (iT,(i+1)T) (where i is any whole number) is equivalent to the number of nodes N* that are controlled at rate r_(ideal) multiplied by the period T plus the total number of operations K processed by those nodes that operate at a rate less than r_(ideal). Thus:

RT=r _(ideal) N*T+K  (1)

and, solving for r_(ideal): $\begin{matrix} {r_{ideal} = \frac{{RT} - K}{N*T}} & (2) \end{matrix}$

For purposes of the present invention, R is a known quantity that is a function of the capacity of the central controller 60. Based on the known R and the number of operations M(iT) received during time period ((i−1)T,iT), the algorithm seeks to quickly find a r_(ideal). Although parameters R, N, and N* also may change over time, the changes in these parameters are relatively small over a time period (iT,(i+1)T). Accordingly, the present invention also automatically adjusts to find the new r_(ideal) as quickly as possible after these parameters change.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, an algorithm embodying the present invention begins with the calculation of the ideal number of operations R to be received by the central controller 60. (Step 1010). R is calculated by a method not shown, and is assumed to be a given value in the present invention. The iteration counter i of the algorithm is initially set to 0 (Step 1020) and an initial guess N_(guess)(0) is chosen based on global network parameters using a method not shown. (Step 1030). With R known, the maximum rate r(0) for each node 20, 30, 40, 50 to operate during time period (0,1T) can be calculated based on Equation 3: $\begin{matrix} {{r(0)} = \frac{R}{N_{guess}(0)}} & (3) \end{matrix}$

Thus, the algorithm instructs the nodes 20, 30, 40, 50 to operate at a maximum of r(0) operations per second for the time period (0,1T). (Step 1040). During this time period, the algorithm keeps a tally of the number of operations M(1T) actually received by the central controller 60 from the nodes 20, 30, 40, 50 via connectors 110, 120, 130, 140. (Step 1050).

The number of operations received by the central controller 60 from the nodes 20, 30, 40, 50 during time period (0,1T) can be expressed as the maximum rate r(0) that each node operated during time period (0,1T) multiplied by the number of nodes N* that operated at rate r(0) multiplied by the period T plus the total number of operations K processed by those nodes that operated at a rate less than r(0) during time period (0,1T). In other words, K represents the total number of operations processed during time period (0,1T) by those nodes 20, 30, 40, 50 whose incoming rates 70, 80, 90, 100 were less than the r(0) transmitted to them by the central controller 60 via connectors 150, 160, 170, 180. Equation 4 reflects this relationship:

M(1T)=N*r(0)T+K  (4)

Because r(0) is known from Equation 3, Equation 4 can be rewritten: $\begin{matrix} {{M\left( {1T} \right)} = {\frac{{RN}*T}{N_{guess}(0)} + K}} & (5) \end{matrix}$

The algorithm next calculates the value of N_(guess)(1T) for the time period (1T,2T), which is computed as N_(guess)(0) multiplied by the amount of the number of operations M(1T) received during the previous time period (0,1T) divided by the known total capacity R of the central controller 60: $\begin{matrix} {{N_{guess}\left( {1T} \right)} = \frac{{N_{guess}(0)}{M\left( {1T} \right)}}{RT}} & (6) \end{matrix}$

(Step 1060). Because N_(guess)(1T) is in part a function of M(1T) (which is the amount of operations actually received into the central controller 60 during time period (0,1T)), the total number of operations K processed by those nodes that operate at a rate less than r_(ideal) during time period (0,1T) is taken into account when determining N_(guess)(1T).

Based on Equation 3, the new value of r(1T) for period (1T,2T) can be calculated from the N_(guess)(1T): $\begin{matrix} {{r\left( {1T} \right)} = \frac{R}{N_{guess}\left( {1T} \right)}} & (7) \end{matrix}$

(Step 1070). Thus, the central controller 60 instructs the nodes 20, 30, 40, 50 via connectors 150, 160, 170, 180 to operate at a maximum rate of r(1T) operations per second for the time period (1T,2T). During this time period, the central controller 60 will keep a tally of the number of operations M(2T) received from the nodes 20, 30, 40, 50 via connectors 110, 120, 130, 140. (Steps 1080, 1050). As previously shown, from this value of M(2T), a new N_(guess)(2T) and r(2T) are calculated for time period (2T,3T).

This algorithm is repeated periodically with a new N_(guess)(iT) and r(iT) being calculated based on the value of N_(guess)((i−1)T) and M(iT) for each iteration i: $\begin{matrix} {\left. {N_{guess}({iT})} \right) = \frac{{N_{guess}\left( {\left( {i - 1} \right)T} \right)}{M({iT})}}{R}} & (8) \\ {{r({iT})} = \frac{R}{N_{guess}({iT})}} & (9) \end{matrix}$

Ultimately, the values of N_(guess)(iT) and r(iT) converge such that: $\begin{matrix} {{\lim\limits_{i\rightarrow\infty}{N_{guess}({iT})}} = {N_{guess}\left( {\left( {i - 1} \right)T} \right)}} & (10) \\ {{\lim\limits_{i\rightarrow\infty}{r({iT})}} = {{r\left( {\left( {i - 1} \right)T} \right)} = r_{ideal}}} & (11) \end{matrix}$

Based on equation 8, when N_(guess)(iT) is equal to N_(guess)((i−1)T), M(iT) will equal RT. This situation is optimal because the number of operations actually received by the central controller M(iT) over a given time period ((i−1)T,iT) is equal to the number of operations RT capable of being handled by the central controller during the same time period.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the value N_(guess)(iT) is calculated as a function of more than one of the previous values of N_(guess)(iT−xT), where x<i. For example, the value of N_(guess)(iT) could be determined as a function of N_(guess)(iT−1T), N_(guess)(iT−2T) and N_(guess)(iT−3T). This will produce a smoother transition between the changes in r(iT) over time, allowing the network 10 to more easily adjust to the changing values of r(iT).

As the algorithm proceeds, several global parameters of the network 10 may be altered due to external factors. First, a number of nodes may be added or deleted from the network, which will alter the parameter N. Second, the maximum number of operations per second the central controller can handle without overload may change, which will alter the parameter R. Third, the number of nodes with an incoming rate that exceeds r(iT) may change, which will change N*. Alteration of any one these parameters may change the r_(ideal) for the network 10. Because of the use of the dynamic feedback mechanism as reflected in Equations 8 and 9, the algorithm will begin converging to the new r_(ideal) starting with the next iteration iT. This convergence will generally be effective because the potential changes in N, R, or N* are usually small when measured over a single time period (iT,(i+1)T). Thus, the algorithm will successfully adjust to the changes in these global network parameters.

Accordingly, the present invention incorporates a feedback mechanism that allows a network 10 to produce a relatively rapid convergence to the ideal maximum rate for each node 20, 30, 40, 50 to operate such that the central controller 60 receives an optimal number of operations. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the specific embodiments disclosed above may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and techniques for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for controlling nodes in a network, comprising: a central controller sending a first maximum uniform working rate to a plurality of nodes; computing the number of operations received by the plurality of nodes during a set time period; the central controller sending a second maximum uniform working rate to the plurality of nodes based on the number of operations received by the nodes during the set time period and the number of operations capable of being processed by the central controller during the set time period.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first maximum uniform working rate is based on the maximum working rate of the central controller.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the second maximum uniform working rate is based on the maximum working rate of the central controller.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: converging on an ideal maximum uniform working rate.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the ideal maximum uniform working rate is based on the maximum working rate of the central controller.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the set time period is the time in between the sending a first maximum uniform working rate and the sending a second maximum uniform working rate.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the set time period is greater than the time in between the sending a first maximum uniform working rate and the sending a second maximum uniform working rate.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the second maximum uniform working rate is based on the first maximum uniform working rate.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the central controller is a database at a service control point.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of nodes are switches used in a telecommunications network.
 11. A method for controlling nodes in a communication network: determining an initial operation rate for a plurality of nodes in a communication network during an initial time period based on the capacity of a central controller; transmitting the initial operation rate to the plurality of nodes; determining the number of operations received by the plurality of nodes during the initial time period; determining a new operation rate for the plurality of nodes for a subsequent time period based on the number of operations received by the plurality of nodes during the initial time period; and transmitting the new operation rate to the plurality of nodes.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining and converging to an optimal operation rate for the plurality of nodes based on successive determining of a new operation rate based on the number of operations received by the plurality of nodes during a previous time period. 